How to Make Your Move More Sustainable

Moving is not for the faint of heart.

It’s both mentally and physically draining. There are the mountains of stuff you have to pack into boxes and haul into the moving truck. There are the desperate pleas for help from reluctant friends (“We just need you for six to seven hours — we’ll pay in beer!”). And then there’s all the dreaded decluttering that goes along with it. 

Most of the time, people who are moving don’t bring everything from their old home into the new place. A lot of their older things get tossed. Unfortunately, that leads to a huge waste problem.

By some estimates, a cool 8.4 million tons of junk are tossed into landfills every year as people move. That’s 16.8 billion pounds of trash. 

So, yeah. Moving isn’t just a pain, it can also do some pretty significant environmental damage.

Luckily, there are ways to minimize that impact. Eco-friendly moving is possible!

Here’s how to make your next move more eco-friendly:

1. Swap cardboard boxes for sustainable alternatives.

Have crates or bins lying around? Use those! Or, check to see if there’s anywhere you can rent eco-friendly moving boxes in your area.

2. Say no to plastic peanuts and bubble wrap.

Use biodegradable packing material instead, or wrap breakable items in your clothes.

3. Recycle what you can.

Don’t just throw everything into the trash. And if you’re getting rid of old electronics or batteries, make sure you bring them to a recycling center where they’ll be disposed of properly.

4. Sell or donate old items—avoid throwing them in the trash.

Clothes that clog up landfills contribute to global warming.

5. Plan ahead so you don’t have to waste or throw away any food.

If you end up leaving canned items behind, consider donating them to a local food bank.

6. Hiring Movers?

Check to see if there are any eco-friendly movers in your area!

7. Buy used furniture and other goods for your new place.

You’re bound to find a few hidden gems, which will make your new home look that much cooler.